Difference between revisions of "Synchronous Diaphragmatic Flutter"

From WikiVet English
Jump to navigation Jump to search
 
(No difference)

Latest revision as of 18:06, 31 July 2012


Also known as: SDF — Thumps — Exhausted Horse syndrome

Introduction

Synchronous diaphragmatic flutter is a condition characterised by unilateral or bilateral contraction of the horse's diaphragm. It results from electrolyte losses that occur during physical exertion or from hypocalcaemic tetany or hypocalcaemia secondary to blister beetle toxicosis.

This syndrome is often seen in horses participating in competitive trail and endurance races or on long-distance rides.

A decrease in the plasma calcium, chloride and/or potassium concentration, or a body deficit of these electrolytes, sensitises the phrenic nerve to the depolarising electrical activity of the adjacent myocardium. Therefore the involuntary diaphragmatic contraction and "thump" are synchronous with the heartbeat and not with the breathing cycle.

This can occur during or following physical exertion, severe diarrhoea or colic, or following prolonged surgery and anaesthesia.

Clinical Signs

Pathognomonic clinical signs include: sudden bilateral or unilateral movement of the horse's flanks (and sometimes hindlimbs) each time the heart beats. The "thump" can usually be heard or palpated over the thorax or flanks.

Diagnosis

The clinical signs are very suggestive.

Typical biochemical abnormalities include: hypoglycaemia, increased fatty acid concentrations, hyponatraemia, hypochloraemia, hypokalaemia, hypocalcaemia, hypomagnesaemia and hyperphosphataemia.

Blood lactate and creatine kinase might be moderately elevated.

Dehydration might also be observed.

Treatment

Prevention and treatment include the replacement of the depleted electrolytes.

If the condition is severe, 20 to 100 litres of isotonic or slightly hypertonic fluids supplemented in calcium, potassium and glucose should be given intravenously over 24 hours.

In less severe cases, electrolytes and glucose can be given orally, possibly via nasogastric intubation.

The response to treatment is usually rapid and thus supports the diagnosis.

Prognosis is favourable although horses should be rested for 7-10 days.

In endurance horses, prevention of the condition includes supplementation of electrolytes in the feed or water.


Synchronous Diaphragmatic Flutter Learning Resources
FlashcardsFlashcards logo.png
Flashcards
Test your knowledge using flashcard type questions
Equine Internal Medicine Q&A 08


References

McGorum, B. (2007) Equine respiratory medicine and surgery Elsevier Health Sciences

Stashak, T. (2002) Adams' Lameness in Horses Wiley-Blackwell




Error in widget FBRecommend: unable to write file /var/www/wikivet.net/extensions/Widgets/compiled_templates/wrt67680c693583c8_35486051
Error in widget google+: unable to write file /var/www/wikivet.net/extensions/Widgets/compiled_templates/wrt67680c693b4725_70695627
Error in widget TwitterTweet: unable to write file /var/www/wikivet.net/extensions/Widgets/compiled_templates/wrt67680c694036b6_02534151
WikiVet® Introduction - Help WikiVet - Report a Problem